How will you be keeping warm this winter?

Residents are turning to extra layers over the heating. Photo: Smaglov/BigStock.com

Published:11:04Saturday 07 November 2015

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Households in the South East are more likely to reach for extra layers before switching on the heating this winter, a study has found.

In October, South East households spent an average of £82 buying ‘winter warmers’ such as jumpers, blankets and thermals, TopCashback said.

A total of 78 per cent of residents use the likes of extra layers and electric blankets to keep their energy bills down during the coldest months.

When asked what winter warmers they reach for ahead of the thermostat, 84 per cent put on extra layers and 62 per cent ensure a blanket is always close by.

More than a quarter (29 per cent) opt for a traditional hot water bottle to keep the cold at bay.

Despite shelling out for extra layers, October also saw the majority of residents in the South East give in and turn on their central heating.

However those who did switch it on said they use it on a timer to take the bitterness out of the air and prefer to lean towards warming comforts instead of relying solely on their radiators.

Natasha Rachel Smith, consumer affairs editor for TopCashback, said: “Naturally energy costs rise during the colder months as cravings for warmth grow and central heating systems are awoken from their summer’s hibernation, but our research shows residents in the South East are becoming crafty with ways – or simply reverting back to old fashioned techniques – to keep their gas and electricity bills as low as possible for as long as possible.

“From extra layers and hot water bottles to using heavy curtains and draft excluders, spending a little before the colder weather hits can be a good long-term investment for consumers.

“Sitting in front of the TV, wrapped up in a blanket with a hot chocolate makes for a cheaper, and much nicer, winter setting than sweltering with the heating on full blast. That’s effectively burning money.

“There’s also the benefit of being able to re-use some winter warmers year after year, which really wrings out their value.”

The research found that around half (49 per cent) of those surveyed admitted disagreeing with their family and partners about when to turn the heating on or off.

Warmer blooded residents offer ‘put some more layers on’ as the top solution, along with ‘have a hot drink’.